Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 oz cream cheese, softened
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for thinning sauce)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter with olive oil.
Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sear steak bites 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender (medium-rare to medium).
Add garlic in the last 30 seconds and sauté until fragrant. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Mozzarella Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Whisk in cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Combine Rigatoni & Steak
Add rigatoni to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
Return steak bites to the skillet and gently fold them into the cheesy rigatoni.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Plate hot cheesy rigatoni with steak bites on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~900 kcal